The Fourth Edition of the compendium pools together the knowledge and experience of experts from all over the world, who are engaged in teaching and research in the field of biochemistry, medical sciences and allied disciplines.

Comprising 20 sections, the present edition of the book has been substantially revised incorporating the latest research and achievements in the field. Beginning appropriately with chemical architecture of the living systems, role and significance of biochemical reactions, organization of specialised tissues, and importance of food and nutrition, the book explores beyond traditional boundaries of biochemistry. The knowledge of various organ systems has been expanded covering their normal function, ailments and dysfunction. A chapter on Eye and Vision explaining molecular basis of cataract and glaucoma have been added. Also, the book introduces stem cells and regenerative therapy and defines molecules associated with pleasure, happiness, stress and anxiety.

A Section on Gastrointestinal and Biliary System elaborates on physiology and dysfunction including fatty liver and its implications, and hepatitis viruses.

The knowledge of Human Genetics and Biochemical Basis of Inheritance has been appropriately expanded to reflect the latest advances in various domains. Besides DNA fingerprinting for identity establishment, the Section discusses epigenetics, micro-RNA and siRNA including their role in gene expression, chromatin modification and its association with human diseases, and genetic engineering. It also explores emerging areas such as metabolomics and proteomics; synthetic biology; and dual use technology in bioterrorism.

Due emphasis has been given to the Section on Cell Replication and Cancer. Emergence of the use of probiotics in human health has also been highlighted. Besides, an entire Section has been devoted to male and female reproductive systems, fertilization, implantation, pregnancy, lactation, and assisted reproductive technology. Immunology, including vaccines and immunization, has been given due attention with latest updates in this fast growing area.

Modern medicine, despite its stupendous advances cannot provide cure for all ailments. Thus, the new edition provides knowledge of alternative medicine systems—Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Unani, Yoga and Herbal Medicine.

Incorporating vast information on the latest and emerging areas, the book will be of immense value to the students of medical sciences not only in their preclinical years, but also in all phases of medical course including postgraduate education and practice. Besides, it will also serve as a valuable source to the students of biochemistry and human biology.

About the Author

G.P. TALWAR, Docteur es Sciences (Sorbonne, Paris), Director, Talwar Research Foundation, New Delhi is the Founder Director of the National Institute of Immunology. He was earlier Professor and Head of the Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

Professor Talwar is the recipient of several national and international awards/recognitions including Padma Bhushan and officier de la Legion d’ Honneur. He is the Fellow of the Indian National Science Academy, Indian Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Medical Sciences, Indian College of Allergy and Applied Immunology, Indian Academy of Vaccinology & Applied Immunobiology, a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, World Academy of Art & Science and La Academia Nacional de Medicina Mexico. He has authored/edited sixteen books and contributed over 400 research papers in journals of national and international repute. Recently, he has been presented Lifetime Achievement Award for outstanding research accomplishments and contributions to medical science at the 42nd Convocation of AIIMS. |SEYED E. HASNAIN, [Ph.D. from JNU, D.Sc. (h.c.), D.Med.Sc. (h.c)] is Professor, Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. A Padma Shri awardee and a recipient of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize including many other awards, Dr. Hasnain has received Germany’s Highest Civilian Award—The Order of Merit (Das Verdienstkreuz, 1.Klasse), from the President of Germany. He is an elected Fellow of German National Academy of Sciences, Leopoldina and a Fellow of American Academy of Microbiology and all major Science Academies of India (FNA, FNASc, FASc). He is the first Director of Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) and has been Vice Chancellor of University of Hyderabad.|SHIV KUMAR SARIN, [MD, DM, D.Sc. (Hon), FNA, FNASc.] is Senior Professor and Head of Hepatology, and Director at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, New Delhi. A clinician par excellence with great insights into research, Dr. Sarin is an adjunct faculty of Molecular Medicine at JNU. He is credited with new treatment protocols for liver diseases, especially variceal bleeding, liver regeneration, hepatitis B and acute-on-chronic liver failure. A recipient of Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Award, Padma Bhushan, The World Academy of Medical Sciences (TWAS) International Prize, including Best Teacher Award and many, he has developed, along with other Board of Governors, the ‘Vision 2015’ document for Medical Education in India during his tenure as Chairman of Medical Council of India.

Dr. Sarin is also a founding Editor of Hepatology International.